Category: AHL

Rampage Stomp Barracuda 3-1, SJ’s second loss to San Antonio

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

By Alexandra Evans

SAN ANTONIO, TX—The Barracuda had a slow start tonight in San Antonio and fell to the Rampage 3-1, their second loss to this team this season.

The starting lineup for San Jose was as follows:

  • Offense: John McCarthy, Filip Sandberg, Oliver Archambault (his first appearance with San Jose)
  • Defense: Jacob Middleton, Julius Bergman
  • Goaltender: Antoine Bibeau

The Cuda played slow to start, picking up two penalties in the first period (Middleton and Bergman were sent to the penalty box within less than two minutes of one another). This gave the Rampage an opportunity to score, which they did at the 13:16 mark in a 5-on-3 play (San Antonio had the two-man advantage).

In the second period, Adam Helewka and Danny O’Regan showcased their dynamic-duo style plays as Helewka provided his seventh assist of the season to O’Regan, who scored the Cuda’s first and only goal of the game (and his fourth of the season) 13 minutes in. Coincidentally, Felix Girard of the Rampage managed to make his way past Bibeau and score exactly 13 seconds later. The second period was, well, penalties galore. Between the two teams, there were a total of nine. The score was 2-1 at the end.

San Jose was still unable to score in the third, despite pulling Bibeau from the net toward the end. Then again, they were on a penalty kill and still short one man. Sure enough, Duncan Siemens notched an empty-netter from across the ice with 27 seconds left in the match.

Bibeau allowed two goals on 22 shots, while Rampage goaltender Ville Husso made a total of 38 saves and helped them cultivate an eight-for-eight.

The Cuda, who set a shots-on-goal record tonight with 39, are now 3-4, and the Rampage’s win tonight put them at 6-1.

Next, the Barracuda will face the Texas Stars at home on October 28, 5:00 p.m. PT.

Barracuda Left Winger Adam Helewka – Profile

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Photo credit: NHL.com

By Alexandra Evans

SAN JOSE—Adam Helewka was born and raised in Burnaby, British Columbia, just outside of Vancouver. He spent his youth hockey years in both cities (mostly the former), up until grade 10 where he played for a boarding school in Saskatchewan called Notre Dame. When he reached grade 12, Helewka left home for the first time to play for the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL, with whom he would spend four years.

In his third season with Spokane, Helewka notched 40 goals and 43 assists for a total of 87 points. This has been his greatest accomplishment to date.

During Helewka’s final season in the WHL, he was drafted by San Jose in the 4th round (106th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft.

One of the most significant things Helewka has learned since joining the professional hockey leagues has been, he says, accountability. He discovered the importance of self care and maintaining good overall health.

Helewka, 22, devoted is summer to getting healthier. He focused on cardiovascular training while making substantial dietary changes, emphasizing real food and the consumption of carbohydrates only as needed (post-workout). At the beginning of the season, Helewka noted that these lifestyle shifts yielded great results; he felt far more energized and much stronger than before.

“I feel like I am a completely different player,” Helewka said in a post-game interview on October 18. “It helped me get in better shape and become a lot faster.”

So far this season, Helewka has demonstrated said speed both physically and mentally. The latter is mostly represented by his solid hand-eye coordination and quick decision making skills on the ice. Physically, he is great at making smooth passes which lead to goals (or, simply put, providing assists) and taking care of the defensive zone, exemplifying a two-way playing style.

“Right from when I got drafted, [it has been] a dream come true. [San Jose] is a great franchise, all the way from the general manager down to the equipment trainers. Great people, great staff, it’s been very fun so far.”

Helewka was a staunch follower of the Detroit Red Wings growing up and garnered much of his inspiration from center Pavel Datsyuk, a 14-year NHL veteran.

Another random fact: Helewka’s favorite movie is Stepbrothers. Back home, he and his friends enjoy quoting humorous movies.

Barracuda Left Winger Brandon Bollig – Profile

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Photo credit: NHL.com

By Alexandra Evans

SAN JOSE—First generation hockey player to Stanley Cup Champion. Not even Brandon Bollig himself could fathom such an accomplishment growing up.

Born and raised in St. Charles, Missouri, Bollig picked up hockey at the drop of a hat, making every team he tried out for in his youth.

The left winger, who is 6 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds, took his skills to the Lincoln Stars of the USHL, with whom he spent three years (2005-2008). Bollig then went on to play hockey for St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. In 2010, after his sophomore year, he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent and appeared in three games with their minor league affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, that season (2009-2010).

Bollig was called up for his NHL debut with Chicago on February 29, 2012 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also made four playoff appearances that season.

With his hometown so close to St. Louis, Bollig grew up supporting the Blues, one of the Blackhawks’ biggest rivals.

“I got a lot of crap from my family and friends when I signed with Chicago,” Bollig laughed. “Whenever we played the Blues, they would always say, ‘We are rooting for you and only you. We hope you score some goals, but we want a Blues win.’”

Aside from the rivalry, Bollig’s family was immensely supportive. Around 50 members of his family would attend every Blackhawks vs. Blues game at home. His family would also travel from St. Charles to Chicago to watch Bollig play at the United Center.

Bollig’s greatest accomplishment was his Stanley Cup win with the Blackhawks in 2013.

“That was indescribable,” he noted. “It’s something you imagine a million times as a kid. Once you finally do it, it is better than you ever thought.”

Following the Stanley Cup win, Bollig played one more year with the Blackhawks before he was traded to the Calgary Flames at the start of the 2014-2015 season. He still received the same familial support when the Flames would visit St. Louis, though he noted that deep down, his family still hoped for Blues’ wins.

Most recently, Bollig played for the Stockton Heat, the Flames’ AHL affiliate, in 2016-2017.

Bollig’s objective for each game is to play one that is “sound.” His playing style focuses heavily on tending to the defensive zone, and on physical presence (Bollig does not have any fear of fighting). Putting up numbers, to him, is an “added bonus.”

San Jose closed a one-year deal with Bollig on July 4, 2017, three days after the free agency market opened. Thus far, it has been a pleasant experience for him. Off the ice, Bollig and his fiancee enjoy the friendly Northern California vibes, sunny weather, and various downtown San Jose activities, including those on Santana Row.

Barracuda Goalie Antoine Bibeau – Profile

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Photo credit: @LongLiveTheAnt

By Alexandra Evans

SAN JOSE—Antoine Bibeau grew up in Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada. Most children around him began playing hockey at a very early age, in which he took part. One of his greatest influences growing up was former Montreal Canadiens (Bibeau’s favorite team as a child) and Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy, who won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996 and 2001, during Bibeau’s single-digit age years.

The 23 year-old goaltender stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 213 pounds. His maternal great-uncle played as a goaltender for the Quebec Nordiques of the NHL, who, he believes, served as another net minding inspiration for him.

Beginning in 2009, Bibeau played five seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Trois-Rivières Draveurs, Lewiston MAINEiacs, Prince Edward Island Rockets, Charlottetown Islanders, and the Val d’Or Foreurs. It was not until he arrived in Prince Edward Island that he learned to speak English (his native language is French).

“It was pretty bad,” Bibeau said of his English-speaking skills at the time. Thankfully, with the help of his girlfriend and hockey coaches (who were always giving commands in English), Bibeau picked up the language thoroughly.

In 2014, Bibeau helped the Val-d’Or Foreurs advance to the QMJHL championship, where they won the President’s Cup. Following the 2013-2014 season, he was awarded the Guy Lafleur Trophy as the QMJHL Most Valuable Player and the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy as the Memorial Cup’s Most Outstanding Goaltender. Bibeau was also admitted to the CHL Memorial Cup All-Star team.

Bibeau was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs 172nd overall in 2013. The following year, he began playing for their American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. In 32 games with the Marlies in 2016-2017, he notched a 13-14-5 record, a .894 save percentage, a 3.08 GAA, and three shutouts, for which he tied 12th amongst all AHL goalies. Since the start of his AHL career in 2014, he has attained a 56-33-11 record, a .906 save percentage, a 2.79 GAA, and 10 shutouts.

He was called up to two Maple Leafs games during the 2016-2017 season, making his NHL debut on December 11, 2016. In these two games, he cultivated a 1-1-0 record, a .927 save percentage, and a 1.99 goals against average (GAA). Bibeau described his NHL appearances with Toronto as one of the milestones of his net minding career, from major junior all the way up to the pros.

San Jose signed Bibeau to a one-year deal when the free agency market opened on July 1, 2017. Like many non locals, Bibeau has been enjoying the sunny Bay Area weather since his arrival just before the start of the preseason.

Barracuda Defenseman Nick DeSimone – Profile

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Photo credit: @njdes

By Alexandra Evans

SAN JOSE—Growing up in a family of hockey players, one would have expected Nick DeSimone to take up the sport at some point. After years of being influenced by his father, a former player, and watching his older brother, Phil, on the ice, DeSimone decided to follow along. His parents supported his then-new found love.

The 6 feet 2 inch, 195-pound defenseman, 22, hails from East Amherst, New York and was a staunch supporter of the Buffalo Sabres growing up. He played three years of college hockey at Union College in Schenectady, New York, which, he noted, was a dream come true for him prior to signing with San Jose; the latter feat, he says, has been greatest milestone in his athletic career thus far.

Before his collegiate-level stint, DeSimone spent one year with the Connecticut Oilers (EJHL) and one with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL), the latter in which he put up 51 points in 52 games (how’s that for a solid season of two-way plays?).

Since entering the professional leagues, DeSimone says he has learned to “be smarter” on the ice.

“It’s kind of a chess match,” he describes. “College was more of a run-and-gun, pros are more strategic.”

Today, DeSimone credits notable NHL defensemen Brent Burns, Drew Doughty, and Erik Karlsson as his primary influences; all three have been awarded the James Norris Memorial Trophy.

DeSimone is one of the top AHL prospects for the Sharks. He has yet to make his NHL debut, though he was called up to one Sharks preseason game against Anaheim. From September’s Prospect Showcase to the present, he has showed some solid two-way skills, though as the season progresses his chances of earning a spot on the Sharks roster will become more detectable.

Off the ice, DeSimone, like most East Coast natives who relocate to California, is enjoying the sunny, snow-free weather of the Bay Area.

San Jose Barracuda Podcast with Ana Kieu: Taking a look at the Barracuda last four games and upcoming games

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sjbarracuda photo: San Jose Barracuda defenceman Radim Simer (51) tries to skate around the Cleveland Monsters centre Jordan Schroeder (14) with San Jose goalie Antoine Bibeau (34) tending the net in the background in Sunday’s game at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland

On the SJ Barracuda Podcast with Ana:

1 Last Wednesday, I guessed the Barracuda would beat the Heat 4-2. It was really close as the Cuda cooled down the Heat 5-2. We’ll take a look at the three takeaways from that game.

2 The Barracuda added a Pacific Division banner to SAP Center’s rafters we take a look at that action to honor the team

3 The Cuda recalled forward Bryan Moore from the Allen Americans and signed forward Oliver Archambault to a Player Tryout Agreement. We take a look at those players

4 The Cuda embarked on a five game road trip which started on Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena against the Cleveland Monsters. Ana gives you a breakdown of the series.

Ana Kieu does the SJ Barracuda podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda Retaliate, Beat Monsters 1-0 In OT

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Photo credit: San Jose Barracuda

By Alexandra Evans

CLEVELAND, OHIO—After a slow, 4-1 loss against the Cleveland Monsters on Saturday October 21, the San Jose Barracuda refused to be devoured a second time the following afternoon and came out on top with a 1-0 overtime win in Cleveland.

During the first period, the Monsters outshot the Barracuda 12 to 4, who came back to outshoot them 18 to 17 just before the 45-minute mark. Neither team managed to score any goals during each of the four power plays. Cleveland did notch a few posts in the second period, but San Jose goaltender Antoine Bibeau was vastly determined to not let his team be devoured once again, and he successfully blocked every shot fired at him.

Because the game remained scoreless all three periods and nearly the entire overtime interval, San Jose’s defensive game (and Bibeau’s net minding game) evidently remained strong throughout.

It was the timing of the [only] goal scored which blew viewers out of the park. Defenseman Mike Brodzinski retrieved a pass from forward Adam Helewka (a player with solid hand-eye coordination, puck handling, passing, and quick decision making skills) in the offensive zone. From there, Brodzinski notched a buzzer-beating goal on Cleveland’s Matiss Kivlenieks with 1.1 seconds left in the game. This was 22 year-old Brodzinski’s first career AHL goal in 20 career games.

San Jose only put up four total penalties during Sunday’s match, compared to seven on Saturday’s.

With 28 total saves, Bibeau earned his first win as a member of San Jose’s franchise and his 11th professional shutout. Kivlenieks blocked 21 shots of 22 for Cleveland.

San Jose is now 3-3, and Sunday’s win put Cleveland at 2-3. The Barracuda will face the San Antonio Rampage in their home state on Friday, October 27, 2017.

Monsters Devour 4-1 Win Over Barracuda

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Photo credit: @sjbarracuda

By Alexandra Evans

CLEVELAND, OH—The San Jose Barracuda traveled to the Midwest to face the Cleveland Monsters, AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets, on Saturday, October 21, where they fell 4-1.

The offensive lines and defensive pairs stayed the same as they had the previous game against Stockton, with one small change; forward John Martin stepped in for Bryan Moore on the line with Colby McCauley and Tim Clifton. The lines were as follows:

Offense:

  • Adam Helewka, Danny O’Regan, Rudolfs Balcers
  • Marcus Sorensen, Alexander True, Brandon Bollig
  • Brandon Mashinter, John McCarthy, Filip Sangberg

Defensive pairings:

  • Jacob Middleton and Julius Bergman
  • Cavan Fitzgerald and Nick DeSimone
  • Radim Simek and Mike Brodzinski

Troy Grosenick started in goal for San Jose.

The match had a slow start to begin with; 35 seconds into the first period, Cleveland’s Carter Camper effortlessly made his way past the Barracuda’s defense and fired a shot over Grosenick’s shoulder, giving the Monsters a 1-0 lead off the bat.

In the second period, the Monsters brought the lead up to 2-0 when John Ramage scored 12:56 minutes in. The Barracuda had sufficient opportunity to score on the power play, which Helewka came close to; however, Monsters goaltender Brad Thiessen was clearly in a “hail Mary” mindset and successfully blocked the shot.

Bollig notched San Jose’s only goal of the game a few seconds before the two minute mark of the third period. Middleton and Sorensen provided the assists. However, Cleveland came back when Miles Koules scored a power play goal, followed by Tyler Motte successfully taking advantage of the open net with 53 seconds left in the game.

The Barracuda took three penalties in the first period, one during the second, and another three in the third, which Coach Roy Sommer has referred to as “bad decisions.” Additionally, Grosenick failed to stop three shots out of 21, while Thiessen stopped 18 shots out of 19.

The Barracuda are now 2-3 and will face the Monsters again tomorrow (Sunday, October 22) in Cleveland.

Stockton Brings Heat, San Jose Defeats 5-2

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Photo credit: San Jose Barracuda

By Alexandra Evans

SAN JOSE—The Barracuda came back from two consecutive losses (on October 13 and 14) tonight after a 5-2 win against the Stockton Heat, their second victory over the team this season.

Stockton forward Andrew Mangiapane scored the first goal of the game, almost 18 minutes into the first period. San Jose’s Brandon Mashinter retaliated by scoring less than two minutes later with only 22 seconds remaining.

Mashinter, left winger and AHL veteran, was paired on the offensive line with center John McCarthy and right winger Filip Sandberg, who scored the final goal of the game with just under four minutes remaining. Mashinter provided an assist for Sandberg’s goal.

“You could see today [Mashinter had] a lot of great plays,” Sandberg said after the match. “This was the first game I played with him, but I thought it was really fun. [There was] a lot of hard work out there. On [my] goal, we had a good forward check and he gave it to me, and I just shot it into the goal. “[Mashinter is] a really nice player to have on your team.”

McCarthy, another AHL veteran, added that the trio’s confidence built as the game progressed.

Forwards Danny O’Regan, Adam Helewka, and Rudolfs Balcers played in harmony as O’Regan notched two goals (he now has a total of four between both games against Stockton this year). Helewka and Balcers assisted each one.

“I feel more confident,” Helewka said. “Playing with Danny O’Regan always helps, he is a great player. [O’Regan and Balcers] are two highly skilled players; they find you in open ice.”

O’Regan referred to his two goals as “beneficiary” plays from Helewka and Balcers (an AHL first-timer).

“[Helewka] is very creative, a creative guy and skilled,” O’Regan said. “I like the way he plays; I played with him a lot last year and I think we go well together.”

The Barracuda got swooped by the Grand Rapids Griffins 7-4 in the home opener, and Stockton had beat them 4-0 prior to tonight’s match. This feat seemingly had Coach Roy Sommer thinking about how the evening would end.

“I knew we had to play better than we did over the weekend,” Sommer said. “We’re still not there yet, we still have a lot to do on our own end; it is not where it should be. Look at the two goals [Stockton] scored, point blankers. I don’t think we gave them two of those all year [last season], so we’ve got to get better on our own end… we’re leaving on a good note.”

San Jose Barracuda Podcast with Ana Kieu: Barracuda look to end two game loss streak against Stockton

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sjbarracuda photo: The San Jose Barracuda goaltender Troy Grosenick (1) gets the call in goal against the Stockton Heat Wednesday night at SAP Center in San Jose

On the Barracuda podcast with Ana Kieu:

. Last week, you predicted the Barracuda would win 5-4 over the Griffins. What went wrong?

2. The Barracuda didn’t waste any time as they hosted the Rampage in an afternoon matinee. They also dropped that game 3-2. What are your three takeaways from that game?

3. The San Jose Junior Sharks hosted a Girls Give Hockey-A-Try event on October 8. You’re a girl, what are your thoughts on that unconventional event?

4. The Barracuda host the Heat on Wednesday before they kick off a five game road trip against the Monsters in Cleveland on Saturday. What do the Barracuda need to do to beat the Heat?

5. What are your predictions for Barracuda vs. Heat as well as the upcoming road trip?

Ana Kieu does the SJ Barracuda podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com